You are using an out-of-date version of the Internet Explorer web browser. For a better experience on our website, please use a different web browser or update your Internet Explorer to version 8 or higher. Click here for more information.

Description: Sorrento has been a mecca for illustrious visitors – writers, musicians, and royalty – since the 1700s. Exceptional for its cleanliness and safety in a region not often associated with these virtues, Sorrento is the ideal base for exploration of the bay’s resources, while offering a vibrant life of its own. Our programs reside at a comfortable four-star facility overlooking lemon and orange groves, and mere minutes on foot from the old town.

Room amenities: Each room has soundproof windows, small terrace, private bath, minibar, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe for valuables and individual temperature control (air conditioning in the summer; heat in the winter)

Facility amenities: Relax in the spacious lounge in the lobby. Enjoy a drink made by a professional barista in the lobby lounge. A rooftop pool with lounge, snack and bar service is open May-Sept. Free Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: varies by seasonYou can book additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelcesareaugusto.com. Indicate to the hotel that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment. Another option is to use online hotel consolidator services such as Hotels.com or Expedia.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Two: Wednesday, April 16 - Arrival / Welcome Reception

Note: Light day to adjust from jet lag.

Arrive To: Arrivals at Naples Airport. Transfer by coach to Sorrento.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: Welcome to Sorrento reception and introductions to meet your group leader and fellow learners.

Description: Sorrento has been a mecca for illustrious visitors – writers, musicians, and royalty – since the 1700s. Exceptional for its cleanliness and safety in a region not often associated with these virtues, Sorrento is the ideal base for exploration of the bay’s resources, while offering a vibrant life of its own. Our programs reside at a comfortable four-star facility overlooking lemon and orange groves, and mere minutes on foot from the old town.

Room amenities: Each room has soundproof windows, small terrace, private bath, minibar, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe for valuables and individual temperature control (air conditioning in the summer; heat in the winter)

Facility amenities: Relax in the spacious lounge in the lobby. Enjoy a drink made by a professional barista in the lobby lounge. A rooftop pool with lounge, snack and bar service is open May-Sept. Free Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: varies by seasonYou can book additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelcesareaugusto.com. Indicate to the hotel that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment. Another option is to use online hotel consolidator services such as Hotels.com or Expedia.

Note: Leisure walk around town and to the port. Some steps through the hotel's garden cut short the walk from the hotel to the main square in Sorrento.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel. Each day you will find a selection of fresh fruit, cereals, yogurt, bread, sliced meats and cheeses, eggs, cakes and pastries, jams, coffee, teas.

Morning: Staff introduces program schedule, lectures and excursions.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel served buffet style.

Afternoon: An orienting walk in the neighborhood pointing out stores, pharmacies and banking services. The walk continues down to the characteristic old port where it's not uncommon to see fishermen bringing in the catch of the day or repairing their nets. Later in the afternoon an expert illuminates Classical Roman and Greek art and architecture.

Description: Sorrento has been a mecca for illustrious visitors – writers, musicians, and royalty – since the 1700s. Exceptional for its cleanliness and safety in a region not often associated with these virtues, Sorrento is the ideal base for exploration of the bay’s resources, while offering a vibrant life of its own. Our programs reside at a comfortable four-star facility overlooking lemon and orange groves, and mere minutes on foot from the old town.

Room amenities: Each room has soundproof windows, small terrace, private bath, minibar, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe for valuables and individual temperature control (air conditioning in the summer; heat in the winter)

Facility amenities: Relax in the spacious lounge in the lobby. Enjoy a drink made by a professional barista in the lobby lounge. A rooftop pool with lounge, snack and bar service is open May-Sept. Free Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: varies by seasonYou can book additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelcesareaugusto.com. Indicate to the hotel that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment. Another option is to use online hotel consolidator services such as Hotels.com or Expedia.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Four: Friday, April 18 - Explore Pompeii

Note: The ruins of Pompeii reveal cobblestone streets, sidewalks and dirt paths. Pompeii was a city, so be aware of the size of the archaeological site. Its uneven terrain with inclines and steps makes walking a challenge. The stone pavement can be slippery when wet. Note there are few benches to stop and rest.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel

Morning: Guided visit of Pompeii archaeological site. Explore the streets of the city frozen in time in August of 79 CE. Walk into the amphitheater, see where the gladiators trained, walk down Via Abbondanza, the main street, observe 1st century political grafitti. Notice the similarities between Pompeii where bars, restaurants, shops and bakeries line the streets, and that in any modern city in Italy.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in the archaeological park.

Afternoon: Coach back to Sorrento. Late afternoon classroom session on Customs and Traditions of Sorrento.

Description: Sorrento has been a mecca for illustrious visitors – writers, musicians, and royalty – since the 1700s. Exceptional for its cleanliness and safety in a region not often associated with these virtues, Sorrento is the ideal base for exploration of the bay’s resources, while offering a vibrant life of its own. Our programs reside at a comfortable four-star facility overlooking lemon and orange groves, and mere minutes on foot from the old town.

Room amenities: Each room has soundproof windows, small terrace, private bath, minibar, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe for valuables and individual temperature control (air conditioning in the summer; heat in the winter)

Facility amenities: Relax in the spacious lounge in the lobby. Enjoy a drink made by a professional barista in the lobby lounge. A rooftop pool with lounge, snack and bar service is open May-Sept. Free Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: varies by seasonYou can book additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelcesareaugusto.com. Indicate to the hotel that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment. Another option is to use online hotel consolidator services such as Hotels.com or Expedia.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Five: Saturday, April 19 - Herculaneum / Contemporary Life in Italy

Note: Uneven pavement on streets and cobblestone sidewalks in the archaeological site make walking somewhat challenging. There is a short incline to visit some of the houses and sites in the archaeological site. Few places to sit and rest.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Coach to and guided visit of Herculaneum, an upscale resort town destroyed by mud flows unlike Pompeii, which was buried by ash in 79 CE. The excavated Villa of the Papyri was the inspiration for the Getty Museum in Malibu, California. Coach to Sorrento.

Lunch: Lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Examine the issues facing Italy today in a lecture and discussion of the country's health care system, education, religion, and women's issues, and discover the ways in which Italy continues to undergo rapid economic and societal change. Question and answer period follows.Free time till dinner.

Description: Sorrento has been a mecca for illustrious visitors – writers, musicians, and royalty – since the 1700s. Exceptional for its cleanliness and safety in a region not often associated with these virtues, Sorrento is the ideal base for exploration of the bay’s resources, while offering a vibrant life of its own. Our programs reside at a comfortable four-star facility overlooking lemon and orange groves, and mere minutes on foot from the old town.

Room amenities: Each room has soundproof windows, small terrace, private bath, minibar, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe for valuables and individual temperature control (air conditioning in the summer; heat in the winter)

Facility amenities: Relax in the spacious lounge in the lobby. Enjoy a drink made by a professional barista in the lobby lounge. A rooftop pool with lounge, snack and bar service is open May-Sept. Free Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: varies by seasonYou can book additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelcesareaugusto.com. Indicate to the hotel that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment. Another option is to use online hotel consolidator services such as Hotels.com or Expedia.

Note: One mile walk round trip walk from the hotel to the Marquetry Museum

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Visit the Tarsia Museum that displays the materials, tools and traditional motifs used by master craftsmen of marquetry, or inlaid wood design. To ensure continuity for the decorative art tradition the museum is also a workshop to teach the craft to local youth.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel with a traditional Easter menu.

Afternoon: A musicologist expounds on the Neapolitan music tradition, complete with recordings.

Description: Sorrento has been a mecca for illustrious visitors – writers, musicians, and royalty – since the 1700s. Exceptional for its cleanliness and safety in a region not often associated with these virtues, Sorrento is the ideal base for exploration of the bay’s resources, while offering a vibrant life of its own. Our programs reside at a comfortable four-star facility overlooking lemon and orange groves, and mere minutes on foot from the old town.

Room amenities: Each room has soundproof windows, small terrace, private bath, minibar, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe for valuables and individual temperature control (air conditioning in the summer; heat in the winter)

Facility amenities: Relax in the spacious lounge in the lobby. Enjoy a drink made by a professional barista in the lobby lounge. A rooftop pool with lounge, snack and bar service is open May-Sept. Free Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: varies by seasonYou can book additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelcesareaugusto.com. Indicate to the hotel that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment. Another option is to use online hotel consolidator services such as Hotels.com or Expedia.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Seven: Monday, April 21 - Full Day Excursion to the Isle of Capri

Note: Ability to board the vessel to reach the Island. Transportation is provided from the port to Anacapri, the town at the top of the island, although some walking to visit the traffic free town, gardens and sites of the island.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Board a boat to Capri. Indulge in a full day on the Mediterranean's most lush island while roaming the intricate cobbled laneways and the chic neighborhoods. Guided visit to the villa of Axel Munthe. Weather permitting enjoy the scenery from the convertible car with the top down.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Capri.

Afternoon: Capri visit continues. Some free time to climb the ruins of the villa of Tiberius or savor a gelato at a waterfront cafe. Boat returns to Sorrento by late afternoon.

Description: Sorrento has been a mecca for illustrious visitors – writers, musicians, and royalty – since the 1700s. Exceptional for its cleanliness and safety in a region not often associated with these virtues, Sorrento is the ideal base for exploration of the bay’s resources, while offering a vibrant life of its own. Our programs reside at a comfortable four-star facility overlooking lemon and orange groves, and mere minutes on foot from the old town.

Room amenities: Each room has soundproof windows, small terrace, private bath, minibar, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe for valuables and individual temperature control (air conditioning in the summer; heat in the winter)

Facility amenities: Relax in the spacious lounge in the lobby. Enjoy a drink made by a professional barista in the lobby lounge. A rooftop pool with lounge, snack and bar service is open May-Sept. Free Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: varies by seasonYou can book additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelcesareaugusto.com. Indicate to the hotel that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment. Another option is to use online hotel consolidator services such as Hotels.com or Expedia.

Check in time: 2:00 PM

Day Eight: Tuesday, April 22 - Political History / Cooking Demo in the Countrysi...

Note: Non strenuous walk from coach drop off point to the farm.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Morning: In the classroom a session on the political history of Italy from the 1860s, when the country was unified, through the years of Fascism and WW II, to Berlusconi and the latest government coalition.

Lunch: Lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Panoramic drive through the Sorrento countryside for a hands-on cooking demonstration of dishes of the regional cuisine. Learn how mozzarella cheese is made from fresh milk and rennet.

Description: Sorrento has been a mecca for illustrious visitors – writers, musicians, and royalty – since the 1700s. Exceptional for its cleanliness and safety in a region not often associated with these virtues, Sorrento is the ideal base for exploration of the bay’s resources, while offering a vibrant life of its own. Our programs reside at a comfortable four-star facility overlooking lemon and orange groves, and mere minutes on foot from the old town.

Room amenities: Each room has soundproof windows, small terrace, private bath, minibar, satellite TV, hair dryer, safe for valuables and individual temperature control (air conditioning in the summer; heat in the winter)

Facility amenities: Relax in the spacious lounge in the lobby. Enjoy a drink made by a professional barista in the lobby lounge. A rooftop pool with lounge, snack and bar service is open May-Sept. Free Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: varies by seasonYou can book additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelcesareaugusto.com. Indicate to the hotel that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment. Another option is to use online hotel consolidator services such as Hotels.com or Expedia.

Note: Ability to walk up a few flights of stairs at the museum. Note there are few benches in the gallery rooms.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Coach to Gragnano for a guided tour of a pasta factory.

Lunch: Sample a few types of pasta at a restaurant in the town of Gragnano.

Afternoon: Coach continues to Naples for an expert-led visit of the Archaeological Museum which houses treasures and artifacts found in Pompeii and Herculaneum, including the famed Alexander Mosaic, Flora and Fauna, and the Farnese Bull.

Description: On the Amalfi Coast lies the seaside resort of Minori. Archaeological evidence based on the ruins of an imperial age villa uncovered nearby indicates the area was populated by Romans in the 1st century. Today the village continues to attract visitors to its tranquil shores and piazza-like atmosphere. Perfectly situated near Amalfi, Ravello, Maiori and the ceramic tile center of Vietri, Minori will serve as our base. From there we will coach to Paestum, a 5th century Greek settlement with magnificently preserved temples.

Facility amenities: The hotel is a short walk from the beach and sea front promenade. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. Relax in the spacious lounge with full bar service. The outdoor pool is open May—September. Free WiFi in the rooms and internet point in the lobby.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: varies by seasonBook additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelvillaromana.it. Indicate to the hotel at the time of your booking that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment.

Note: Boat ride from Positano to Amalfi. In case bad weather prevents boat from leaving, ability to walk up the hill along the sidewalk to reach the bus parking lot.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Amalfi Coast Drive: the scenic narrow winding road cut into the steep cliffs above the Mediterranean Sea. On route, visit the elegant seaside town of Positano with its characteristic white and pastel colored houses that cling in tiers to the rock face. Board a boat bound for Amalfi from where you can fully appreciate the cascading houses and luscious gardens on the mountain face.

Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Amalfi.

Afternoon: In Amalfi, visit the cathedral of St. Andrew and an interesting museum that illustrates the techniques of milling paper, an industry that flourished in Amalfi in the 12th century. Transfer to Minori and check into the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel. Sample limoncello, the liquor made from lemons from nearby groves.

Description: On the Amalfi Coast lies the seaside resort of Minori. Archaeological evidence based on the ruins of an imperial age villa uncovered nearby indicates the area was populated by Romans in the 1st century. Today the village continues to attract visitors to its tranquil shores and piazza-like atmosphere. Perfectly situated near Amalfi, Ravello, Maiori and the ceramic tile center of Vietri, Minori will serve as our base. From there we will coach to Paestum, a 5th century Greek settlement with magnificently preserved temples.

Facility amenities: The hotel is a short walk from the beach and sea front promenade. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. Relax in the spacious lounge with full bar service. The outdoor pool is open May—September. Free WiFi in the rooms and internet point in the lobby.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: varies by seasonBook additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelvillaromana.it. Indicate to the hotel at the time of your booking that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment.

Check out time: 11:00 AM

Day Eleven: Friday, April 25 - Paestum

Note: Uneven dirt paths lead to the famous Greek temples, the terrain is level. Leisurely walk to the adjacent museum. Few benches to rest during the visit to the archaeological site.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: A drive (1 hr 40 min) south takes us to the Greek settlement of Paestum, dedicated to Poseidon. The highlights include doric style temples dating from the 6th and 5th centuries BCE dedicated to Hera. The adjacent museum contains the famed painted tomb of the diver.

Description: On the Amalfi Coast lies the seaside resort of Minori. Archaeological evidence based on the ruins of an imperial age villa uncovered nearby indicates the area was populated by Romans in the 1st century. Today the village continues to attract visitors to its tranquil shores and piazza-like atmosphere. Perfectly situated near Amalfi, Ravello, Maiori and the ceramic tile center of Vietri, Minori will serve as our base. From there we will coach to Paestum, a 5th century Greek settlement with magnificently preserved temples.

Facility amenities: The hotel is a short walk from the beach and sea front promenade. Breakfast and dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant. Relax in the spacious lounge with full bar service. The outdoor pool is open May—September. Free WiFi in the rooms and internet point in the lobby.

Smoking policy: NoSmoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: varies by seasonBook additional nights directly through the hotel’s online reservation system www.hotelvillaromana.it. Indicate to the hotel at the time of your booking that you are with the Road Scholar group and every effort will be made to ensure continuity of room assignment.

Check out time: 11:00 AM

Day Twelve: Saturday, April 26 - Ravello

Note: As a hill town, visiting Ravello requires managing hills on foot from the bus drop off point to and around the town. Villa Rufolo's gardens are terraced with paved steps.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Coach to Ravello, a medieval hill town above Amalfi for a visit to the world renowned Villa Rufolo, inspiration to Wagner and other artists.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel; continental style for participants with early morning departure.

Morning: Coach to and Depart from Naples airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities

Sorrento

General OverviewSuggestions for free time (half day) activities: an excursion up Mount Vesuvius; return to Capri to visit the Blue Grotto (accessible by small boats when sea conditions allow). Short train ride to Oplontis, site of the Villa Poppaea with beautifully preserved frescoes from a 1st century BCE Roman Villa.

Important information about your itinerary: Please know that while we do everything we can to finalize all aspects of our programs well in advance, there are logistics that occasionally must be altered. Our website will reflect the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than eight weeks prior to the start of programs outside the U.S. and three weeks prior to the start of programs within the U.S. If you ever have questions about your program, please don't hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Need Help?

The latest in light, portable, easy-to-use QUIETVOX listening devices are available on Road Scholar programs.* Whether you are outdoors, in a crowd or in a museum environment where speaking loudly is discouraged, a listening device makes it feel like our experts are speaking clearly and directly to you. Hear for yourself on a Road Scholar adventure!

*Please note that due to the nature of some programs, the remote location or government regulations, listening devices may not be available. If you’d like to know for sure if your program will offer listening devices, just call and ask an Advisor!